Echoes of the Bubble Era, A Cherished Aspiration

I started drinking around the end of the bubble economy. Back then, brandy was the quintessential drink in "adult social spaces," and LOUIS XIII was in a league of its own, a true object of aspiration. Not long after, I moved to Paris, where I've lived for 20 years, spending my time in places close to the name "Louis" and the elegance that breathes there. When I was offered the role of ambassador, it brought back memories of that time, and I felt a strong desire to share the profound depth of its charm with a wider audience.

Now, smelling the aroma of LOUIS XIII again, I perceive it entirely differently than I did at 20. It's unlike any other brandy I drank back then, and the richness of the scent emanating from the liquid strikes me with even greater intensity. Perhaps it's my life in Paris, with its wine culture deeply embedded in daily life, that allows me to discern so much from the aroma of a spirit. It possesses a fragrance as rich as perfume, yet it glides down the throat with silken smoothness. The taste is crisp and pure, reminiscent of champagne. It's a potent spirit, but it teaches you that "good alcohol doesn't cause a bad hangover." Brandy's aroma changes intriguingly with temperature, so I highly recommend savoring those nuances when you drink it. In this season, I imagine it would be wonderful to sip a glass by the fireplace, sharing stories with friends during a ski vacation in the mountains...

Striving for the Pinnacle in Work

The allure of LOUIS XIII lies not only in its taste but also in its exquisite Baccarat decanter and elegant packaging. In my own work, I always aim for the best, for greater perfection, and I feel a similar dedication reflected in this decanter and its box. The decanter and packaging are designed to showcase the finest spirit in the most beautiful way. When you hold the decanter, you feel the weight, thickness, and purity of the crystal. Every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the liquid's appeal. For instance, perfume decanters often feature beautiful designs that bring joy just by looking at them. LOUIS XIII is precisely like that. The only difference is that it's a liquid you can drink; otherwise, it's a delightful design that encases a fragrant and beautiful substance.

Japanese Women and Elegance

Living in France, I've noticed that many women, not just older ones but younger ones too, possess a mature elegance. In Japan today, particularly in beauty and fashion, "kawaii" is often considered the ultimate ideal, placing value far from elegance. I believe men also need to mature, to stop being so easily charmed by mere "cuteness"...

Elegance isn't something you can achieve simply by spending a lot of money. I find true elegance in people who know and genuinely appreciate truly fine things. This requires a discerning eye and the experience to remain composed in any situation. In Japan, there's a strong tendency to fear aging. However, like brandy, which gains beauty and depth over time, I want people to recognize the unique charm that can only be acquired through time and experience. It's also characteristic of Japanese women to cling to the fashion and makeup from their most vibrant years. French women, on the other hand, are eager to make "themselves today" shine and are unafraid of change. They possess a mature elegance that allows them to confidently believe they are more beautiful today than yesterday, regardless of their age.—Through my work in hair and makeup, I hope to help more Japanese women cultivate this kind of elegance.

I also feel that my generation is now at an age where we should be "transmitting" our experiences and the allure of the wonderful things we've encountered to younger people and our juniors. Perhaps the best way to convey this is to share LOUIS XIII, which eloquently speaks of the magnificence and depth of time, with younger generations over a glass.

Eita
Hair and makeup artist. After 20 years living in Paris, she returned to Tokyo to apply her experience in Japan, joining Iris Management in September 2011. She is active in a wide range of fields, including domestic and international advertising, magazines, serving as chief makeup artist for shows like Paris Collection, and television appearances. Her delicate and elegant hair and makeup artistry is highly acclaimed by celebrities worldwide. Her book, "Eita Makeup: Simple, Rich Paris Looks" (Wani Books), is also available.